Many of us have kept rabbits outdoors at one point. However, as the rabbit community learns more about rabbit health, the answer is clear: indoor rabbits are much healthier, happier, and make more enjoyable pets!

Fatal illnesses result from exposure to 80° temperatures (or above) for a prolonged period of time.
(Rabbits kept indoors need protection from heat, too - click here for more information.) Cold weather is also dangerous.

Domesticated rabbits are different from wild rabbits. Domesticated rabbits feel safest in familiar surroundings and do NOT need time outdoors.

Rabbits kept outdoors have an average lifespan of only a few years; while house rabbits can live 8+ years.

Outdoor rabbits are often inadvertently neglected and don’t get necessary exercise, medical attention or interaction.

Even rabbits in a supervised, urban backyards can be (and are) victims of predators! They can suffer fatal heart attacks from the APPROACH of a predator.

Rabbits can run 35 miles per hour. Picture yourself trying to catch your escaped pet!

Rabbits should not be put on harnesses or leashes. The outdoors can be scary to rabbits, and they can easily injure themselves trying to get away.

Outdoor rabbits are exposed to potentially fatal insect bites/stings, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

In other words: don't risk it!

Adapted from "Consider Making Your Outdoor Bunny an Indoor Companion" at http://www.rabbit.org